Coastal Land Use Planning

Coastal Management Manual - Developed as a tool for coastal land use agents, boards and commissions, as well as developers, consultants and individuals, to use in understanding how to apply the standards and policies of the Connecticut Coastal Management Act.

Tidal Wetlands Buffers Guidance (PDF)Provides local land use agencies with information regarding the value of vegetated buffers as a tool in protecting tidal wetlands from adverse impacts associated with adjacent upland development. It presents a brief overview of tidal wetlands followed by a discussion of what vegetated buffers are, how they function, what characteristics make the ideal buffer and how buffers can be used to protect tidal wetlands. Key concepts in the development of buffer regulations are presented and model regulation language is provided.

Protecting the Character of the Lower Connecticut River: The Gateway Commission's Mission (PDF)Presents a discussion of the Lower Connecticut River Gateway Commission’s adopted zoning standards, which govern development in the Gateway Conservation District of the Lower Connecticut River. The Gateway Commission, enabled by state statute in 1973, grew out of an effort to “protect the scenic, historic and environmental resources of the lower river”. The Gateway Commission accomplishes this goal through land protection and the creation of zoning standards to be adopted and enforced by the eight participating towns in the Gateway Zone.